Will Boston United go double Dutch? Cheeky John Van Engel asks for a second trial after Pilgrims snub

Duncan Browne

Cheeky Dutch footballer John Van Engel has written to Boston United asking for a trial... again

It appeared the winger’s bridges were burnt at York Street in March 2012 when - after signing for the Pilgrims - he failed to turn up for the Lincs Senior Shield final at Grantham Town.

The reason he didn’t arrive at the South Kesteven Stadium was because he had already turned out in a friendly for Kettering Town earlier that day.

“He’s not a player who’s really committed himself to us,” said then-manager Jason Lee after Van Engel’s no show.

However, due to a change in management, Van Engel decided to write to the club a second time in the hope that Dennis Greene will give him a chance to impress.

Only time will tell whether or not the Dutchman’s ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’ approach will pay off.

But the Pilgrims are currently looking at trialists Billy Bennett (formerly with Burton Albion), ex-Lincoln City man Elliott Green and Indi Aujila, who had a spell with Hinckley United last season.

In 2012 Van Engel - who had previously played for SVV Scheveningen in the Dutch Hoofdklasse, the highest tier of non-league in The Netherlands - signed non-contract terms with Boston after impressing in training.

However, he never pulled on the shirt.

Today, United host League Two Mansfield Town in their latest pre-season friendly (KO 3pm).

The contest has become an almost annual event, with Paul Cox’s side recording 4-1 and 2-1 warm-up victories at the Jakemans Stadium in the past two seasons.